Greenhouse gas increases sharply

SIKU CIRCUMPOLAR NEWS

A jump in greenhouse gases since 2002 could bring on a catastrophic acceleration of global warming if it becomes a trend, scientists warned earlier this week.

But they also said the increase might be linked, for instance, to forest fires in Siberia or the hot summer in Europe in 2003 rather than to human activity.

Carbon dioxide levels have risen by more than two parts per million (ppm) in the past two years.

Scientists said the figures were confirmed at sites including Mauna Loa, Hawaii, western Ireland and the Norwegian Arctic island of Svalbard. The rise was less significant in the southern hemisphere.

The United Nations’ Kyoto protocol, which could come into effect next year, says developed nations must cut their carbon dioxide emissions by 5.2 per cent below 1990 levels by 2008-12.